Multiple Sclerosis Neuropsychological Questionnaire Research Articles

Self-reported cognitive function mediates the relationship between employment status and cognitive functioning in persons with multiple sclerosis

BackgroundCognitive impairment (CI) is common in people with MS (PwMS). Evidence is lacking for the self-reported CI's mediation effect on employment status and objective cognitive performance. Self-reported CI was found to be unreliable and seemed to be more associated with depression rather than formal cognitive performance. We hypothesized that the link between subjective and objective assessments of cognitive functions, mood, and employment status may be more complex in PwMS than previously reported. ObjectiveThe aims of this study are the following: (Romero-Pinel et al., 2022) to determine whether employment status could affect performance in cognitive function testing and (Rao et al., 1991) whether their relationship may be mediated by self-reported CI; and (Deluca et al., 2013) to determine whether self-reported depression interacts with self-reported CI in influencing performance in various cognitive domains in PwMS. MethodologyA retrospective study was performed involving PwMS who completed the self-report Multiple Sclerosis Neuropsychological Questionnaire (MSNQ), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale-depression scale (HADS-D), Minimal Assessment of Cognitive Function in MS (MACFIMS) and had data regarding employment status. Included PwMS were classified as employed or unemployed. A structural equation modeling (SEM) approach was taken due to the advantage of examining multiple cognitive outcomes simultaneously while accounting for shared associations. First, a latent factor of memory and executive functioning modeled the error-free associations between both factors and a processing speed task (SDMT). Next, the model tested for the indirect effect of self-reported cognition (MSNQ) on employment status differences in each outcome (memory, speed, and executive functioning). Finally, we tested interactions between MSNQ and HADS-D on each of the outcomes. ResultsWe included 590 PwMS: 72.5% female, mean age 44.2 years (SD = 10.5), mean disease duration 8.6 years (SD 9.0). The majority (n = 455, 77.1%) had relapsing MS; 357 (60.5%) were employed. About half (n = 301, 51%) did not report CI on the MSNQ; of those, 213 (70.8%) were employed. The mean MSNQ for employed PwMS was 24.5 (SD = 10.7) and 29.8 (SD = 11.2) for unemployed PwMS. Employed PwMS had significantly better memory (β = .16, p < .05), executive functioning (β = .25, p < .05), and processing speed (β = .22, p < .05). MSNQ partially indirectly mediated the effect of employment status on memory (Δβ = .03, p < .05) and executive functioning (Δβ = .03, p < .05) and processing speed (Δβ = .04, p < .05), indicating that self-report CI partially explains the influence of employment status on these cognitive domains. The association between MSNQ with both memory and executive functioning was moderated by depression, meaning that in PwMS with high HADS-D scores, MSNQ was more strongly related to worse memory and executive functioning. The final model was an acceptable fit to the data (χ2(87) = 465.07, p < .05; CFI = .90, RMSEA = .08, 90% CI [.06, .09], SRMR = .05) explaining 41.20%, 38.50% and 33.40% of the variability in memory, executive functioning, and processing speed, respectively. ConclusionSelf-reported CI partially explains the associations between employment status and objective cognitive assessment in PwMS. Depression may moderate the relationship between self-reported cognitive assessment and objective cognitive performance. Thus, employment status and mood may guide the interpretation of self-reported CI.

Investigation of the Relationship Between Coping With the Disease and Affecting Cognitive, Physical, and Psychosocial Factors in People with Multiple Sclerosis.

To investigate the relationship between coping mechanisms in people with multiple sclerosis (MS, pwMS) and cognitive, physical, and psychosocial factors such as socio-demographic characteristics, disability, personality, stigma, quality of life, depression, and anxiety. One hundred and two pwMS were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Demographics and clinical characteristics were recorded. Coping with the MS Scale (CMSS), including seven subscales, which are problem-solving, physical assistance, acceptance, avoidance, personal health control, energy conservation, and emotional release, was used to measure coping. Anxiety and depression levels, stigma, neuropsychological symptoms, and personality were measured by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HAD), EuroQol-5D Quality of Life Scale (EQ-5D), Quality of Life in Neurological Diseases (NeuroQoL) -Stigma Scale, Multiple Sclerosis Neuropsychological Questionnaire (MSNQ), and Revised Eysenck Personality Questionnaire-Abbreviated Form (EKA-GGK), respectively. There was a weak statistically significant positive correlation between the physical support subscale and age and the disease duration and a strong positive correlation with EDSS (r= .214, p= .035; r= .213, p= .036; r= .582, p≤ .0001, respectively). There was a moderate negative relationship between the physical support subscale and the EQ-5D mobility, self-care, pain, and health subscales (r= -.434, p= .000; r= -.482, p= .000; r= -.526, p≤ .001, respectively), a weak negative correlation with anxiety, and a strong negative relationship with usual activities (r= -.379, p≤ .001; r= -.243, p= .017; r= -.384, p≤ .001, respectively). It has been shown that coping with MS can be affected by cognitive, physical, and psychosocial factors.

Brain MRI disease burden and sex differences in cognitive performance of patients with multiple sclerosis.

Although there is evidence that shows worse cognitive functioning in male patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), the role of brain pathology in this context is under-investigated. To investigate sex differences in cognitive performance of MS patients, in the context of brain pathology and disease burden. Brain MRI, neurological examination, neuropsychological assessment (Brief International Cognitive Assessment in MS-BICAMS, and Paced Auditory Verbal Learning Test-PASAT), and patient-reported outcome questionnaires were performed/administered in 1052 MS patients. Females had higher raw scores in the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) (57.0 vs. 54.0; p < 0.001) and Categorical Verbal Learning Test (CVLT) (63.0 vs. 57.0; p < 0.001), but paradoxically, females evaluated their cognitive performance by MS Neuropsychological Questionnaire as being worse (16.6 vs 14.5, p = 0.004). Females had a trend for a weaker negative correlation between T2 lesion volume and SDMT ([Formula: see text] = -0.37 in females vs. -0.46 in men; interaction p = 0.038). On the other hand, women had a trend for a stronger correlation between Brain Parenchymal Fraction (BPF) and a visual memory test (Spearman's [Formula: see text] = 0.31 vs. 0.21; interaction p = 0.016). All these trends were not significant after correction for false discovery rate. Although, females consider their cognition as worse, males had at a group level slightly worse verbal memory and information processing speed. However, the sex differences in cognitive performance were smaller than the variability of scores within the same sex group. Brain MRI measures did not explain the sex differences in cognitive performance among MS patients.

The validation of the Italian version of multiple sclerosis neuropsychological screening questionnaire in Huntington's disease.

Multiple sclerosis neuropsychological questionnaire (MSNQ) is a brief questionnaire useful forscreening patient's and informant's self-perception of cognitive dysfunctions in daily life activities. Our study aims toevaluate the MSNQ validity in Huntington's disease (HD) mutation carriers and to correlate MSNQ scores withneurological, cognitive, and behavioral variables. The study was conducted on a sample of 107 subjects from presymptomatic to the middle stage of HDrecruited at LIRH Foundation and C.S.S. Mendel Institute in Rome. Unified Huntington's Disease Rating Scale(UHDRS), an internationally standardized and validated scale, was used to evaluate motor, functional cognitive,and behavioral domains. Our results showed that in HD subjects, MSNQ has a unidimensional factor structure. Correlationalanalyses indicated a good correlation between the MSNQ-patient version (MSNQ-p) and clinical variables,specifically with cognitive dysfunction and behavioral alterations. Moreover, higher scores in MSNQ-p wereassociated with higher motor disease and functional impairment showing that patients in advanced stage of HDperceive a greater cognitive impairment. These results confirm the questionnaire's reliability. The present study demonstrates the validity and adaptability of MSNQ in the HD populationproposing it as a cognitive tool during routine clinical follow-ups, although further research is needed to determinean optimal cut-off score for this measure.

Correlates of patient-reported cognitive performance with regard to disability

The patient-reported form of the Multiple Sclerosis Neuropsychological Questionnaire (MSNQ) assesses perceived problems attributable to cognitive and neuropsychiatric symptoms. It is inconsistently related to objective cognitive performance in multiple sclerosis (MS), while strongly correlated with depression. We assessed whether the relationship between subjective and objective cognitive screening tools is moderated by disability. Furthermore, we investigated the MSNQ as a screening tool for both cognitive impairment and depression. 275 MS patients completed the patient-reported MSNQ, two‐question screening tool for depression and Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) and were divided into Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) subgroups: Low 0.0–3.0, Medium 3.5–6.0, High 6.5–9.0. MSNQ scores correlated significantly with depression but not SDMT in all subgroups. After correcting for age, sex, education, EDSS and depression, MSNQ significantly predicted SDMT in the total group, but not the subgroups. MSNQ significantly predicted a positive depression and/or cognitive impairment screen in the total group and all subgroups. The relationship between subjective and objective cognitive screening tools is not influenced by physical disability. MSNQ scores are substantially influenced by depression, and reflect cognitive function to some degree. Patient-reported cognitive measures can be useful to identify patients requiring further (neuro)psychological assessment.

Comparison of spouse and patient personality change judgments following MS onset

ABSTRACT Objectives This is the first study to estimate the prevalence and predictors of spouse and patient perceptions of global/overall personality change (PC) in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Methods 69 clinic patients and their spouses completed parallel measures of perceived PC and semantic differential scales measuring pre-MS and current specific behaviours. We correlated perceived personality changes with the following measures of perceived physical, cognitive, emotional, and social functioning: MS Impact Scale, MS Neuropsychological Questionnaire, Beck Depression Inventory-FastScreen; Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale; Family Questionnaire, McMaster Assessment Device; and Social Provisions Scale. Results Spouses and patients reported comparable levels of substantial change. Both associated PC with patient distress, perceived cognitive impairment, spouse distress, and poorer family functioning. Spouse, but not patient, PC ratings predicted severity of physical symptoms and social support. Principal component analysis of semantic differential ratings yielded a Compassionate Empathy component correlating with PC within spouse, but not patient, data. Conclusions These partially overlapping potential triggers for spouse and patient PC judgments raise questions about the extent they overlap with clinicians’ criteria for PC, since spouses did not link impulsivity with PC. It is also suggested that the initial focus of treatment of PC should focus on partner-agreed changes.

Validation of the Finnish version of the Brief International Cognitive Assessment for Multiple Sclerosis (BICAMS) and evaluation of the applicability of the Multiple Sclerosis Neuropsychological Questionnaire (MSNQ) and the Fatigue Scale for Motor and Cognitive Functions (FSMC).

ObjectivesCognitive impairment is frequent in multiple sclerosis (MS) as approximately half of the patients manifest some degree of cognitive impairment. The Brief International Cognitive Assessment for Multiple Sclerosis (BICAMS) has been designed for brief cognitive evaluation. The purpose of the study was to validate the BICAMS along with the Finnish versions of one self‐rating questionnaire each for cognition and fatigue.MethodsA total of 65 MS patients and 45 healthy controls (HC) were assessed with the BICAMS, the Multiple Sclerosis Neuropsychological Questionnaire (MSNQ), and the Fatigue Scale for Motor and Cognitive Functions (FSMC) twice, approximately within nine days.ResultsMS patients scored markedly lower than the HCs on each of the three tests of the BICAMS. Of the patients, 60% scored at least 1.5 SD below the mean of the HCs on at least one test; 49% on the SDMT, 26% on the CVLT‐II, and 28% on the BVMT‐R. Correlation coefficients for the repeated measurement were between 0.75 and 0.89 for the three tests in the whole study sample. MS patients reported more cognitive symptoms and more fatigue than the HCs. Cronbach's alpha was 0.94 for the MSNQ and 0.98 for the FSMC. Correlation coefficient for the repeated measurement was 0.91 for the MSNQ and between 0.92 and 0.94 for the FSMC scores for the whole study sample.ConclusionsThe present study supports the validity of the Finnish version of the BICAMS. The SDMT was the most sensitive of the three BICAMS tests and showed cognitive impairment in half of the patients. The Finnish versions of the MSNQ and the FSMC proved useful tools in approaching concerns related to cognition and fatigue.

Brain Volume and Perception of Cognitive Impairment in People With Multiple Sclerosis and Their Caregivers.

Background: Cognitive impairment (CI) is common in people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS). The assessment of CI is based on neuropsychological tests and accurate anamnesis, involving the patients and caregivers (CG). This study aimed to assess the complex interplay between self-perception of CI, objective CI and the brain atrophy of MS patients, also exploring the possible differences with CI evaluated by caregivers.Methods: Relapsing pwMS were enrolled in this study. Subjects underwent neuropsychological examination using the Brief Cognitive Assessment for Multiple Sclerosis (BICAMS) and evaluation of self-reported cognitive status using the patient-version of the Multiple Sclerosis Neuropsychological Questionnaire (p-MSNQ). Depression and anxiety were also evaluated using the Back Depression Inventory-version II (BDI-II) and Zung Anxiety Scale. Brain MRI images were acquired and brain volumes estimated. For each patient that was enrolled, we spoke to a caregiver and collected their perception of the patient's CI using the MSNQ- Caregiver version.Results: Ninety-five MS subjects with their caregivers were enrolled. CI was detected in 51 (53.7%) patients. We found a significant correlation (p < 0.001) between BICAMS T scores and lower whole brain (Rho = 0.51), gray matter (Rho = 0.54), cortical gray matter (Rho = 0.51) volumes and lower p-MSNQ (Rho = 0.31), and cg-MSNQ (Rho = 0.41) scores. Multivariate logistic regression showed that p-MSNQ is related to a patient's anxiety to evaluate by Zung Score (p < 0.001) while cg-MSNQ to patient's brain volume (p = 0.01).Conclusion: Our data confirm that neuropsychological evaluation results are related to the perception of CI and brain volume measures and highlight the importance of the caregiver's perception for cognitive assessment of pwMS.

Validity of the Italian multiple sclerosis neuropsychological screening questionnaire.

The Multiple Sclerosis Neuropsychological Questionnaire (MSNQ) is a brief questionnaire useful for screening patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) at risk for cognitive impairment. It includes a patient self-assessment (MSNQ-p) and a section for the caregiver (informant) (MSNQ-i). This study's aim was to validate the Italian version of MSNQ and to compare MSNQ scores with Symbol Digit Modality Test (SDMT), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score, measuring cognitive skills, mood status, and physical disability respectively. We enrolled 122 MS patients (and related caregivers) at MS center of Tor Vergata University Hospital of Rome. The final study sample consisted of 122 patients with MS (90 relapsing-remitting, 24 secondary progressive, and 8 primary progressive). Our results highlighted that MSNQ has a unidimensional factor structure. Correlational analyses found a good correlation between both versions (MSNQ-p and MSNQ-i) of the questionnaire. Both MSNQ-p and MSNQ-i were correlated with clinical variables, specifically with cognitive impairment, mood disorder, and with disability. The Italian version of MSNQ is reliable and useful as screening tool to identify MS patients at high risk of cognitive impairment.

Correlates of the personality change judgments of individuals who have MS

ABSTRACT Objectives: This is the first study to estimate prevalence of self-reported personality change (PC) in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Methods developed in traumatic brain injury studies explore physical, and psychosocial triggers for PC judgments. Participants: 69 MS clinic attendees living with their partner. Measures: Participants rated the degree of PC. 28 Current and pre-MS characteristics were rated. The Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale, the MS Neuropsychological Questionnaire, the Beck Depression Inventory-FastScreen, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale quantified neuropsychological status. The Family Questionnaire, McMaster Assessment Device and the Social Provisions Scale sampled perceived social influences. Results: 54% perceived substantial PC. Current characteristics predicted PC better than perceived behavior changes. PC was associated with specific characteristics denoting stress reactions, emotional distress, perceived cognitive impairment and poorer family functioning. PC was not significantly related to severity of physical symptoms or social support. This study also suggested that the specific characteristics questionnaire probed at least 2 components of reconstructed identity: PC/Reactivity and Disability. Conclusions: This study raises methodological concerns about measures that simply sum ratings of characteristics related to self-identity. It also proposes possible ways of collaborating with individuals in their efforts to respond constructively to PC and other changes. .

Detecting Subtle Cognitive Impairment in Multiple Sclerosis with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment.

Although cognitive deficits are frequent in multiple sclerosis (MS), screening for them with tools such as the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) test is usually not performed unless there is a subjective complaint. The Multiple Sclerosis Neuropsychological Questionnaire (MSNQ) is among the instruments most commonly used to assess self-reported subjective complaints in MS. Nonetheless, it does not always accurately reflect cognitive status; many patients with cognitive deficits thus fail to receive appropriate referral for detailed neuropsychological evaluation. The objective of this study was to examine the validity of the MoCA test to detect the presence of objective cognitive deficits among patients with MS without subjective complaints using the Minimal Assessment of Cognitive Function in MS (MACFIMS) as the gold standard. The sample included 98 patients who were recruited from a university hospital MS clinic. The MSNQ was used to select patients without subjective cognitive complaints who also completed the MACFIMS, MoCA test and MSQOL-54. 23.5% of patients without subjective cognitive complaints had evidence of objective cognitive impairment on the MACFIMS (z score < -1.5 on two or more tests). The MoCA had a sensitivity of 87% and a specificity of 68% for detecting objective cognitive impairment in this patient population using a cut-off score of 27. A significant proportion of patients without self-reported cognitive impairment do have evidence of cognitive deficits on more exhaustive cognitive assessment. The MoCA is a rapid screening test that could be used to target patients for whom a more detailed neuropsychological assessment would be recommended.

D-KEFS ST Failure Identifies Multiple Sclerosis Patients With Worse Objective and Self-Perceived Physical and Cognitive Disability.

Background and Objectives: The Brief Repeatable Battery of Neuropsychological Test (BRB-NT) does not explore the executive functions. We combined BRB-NT and Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System Sorting Test (D-KEFS ST) to obtain a more comprehensive evaluation of cognitive impairment in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients.Methods: 137 Relapsing Remitting MS (RRMS) patients underwent a detailed neuropsychological assessment including BRB-NT, D-KEFS ST and self-administrated questionnaires, namely the Multiple Sclerosis Neuropsychological Questionnaire (MSNQ), the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) and the Beck Depression Inventory-Second Edition (BDI-II).Results: Fifty-four patients (39.4%) had normal scores in each item of both batteries (cognitive normal), while 64 patients (46.7%) failed in at least one test of BRB-NT but not of D-KEFS ST (BRB-NT impaired) and 18 (13.1%) failed in at least one test of both batteries (BRB-NT+D-KEFS ST impaired). Only one patient (0.7%) failed in D-KEFS ST, but not in BRB-NT and was excluded from further analysis. BRB-NT+D-KEFS ST impaired patients had a significant higher mean disease duration and median EDSS score (15.5 ± 13.6 years and 3.5, respectively) compared to those with only BRB-NT impaired (7.9 ± 9.2, p < 0.01 and 2.5, p < 0.05) and with cognitive normal patients (6.7 ± 9.4, p < 0.005 and 2.0, p < 0.01). SDMT was more frequently impaired in BRB-NT+D-KEFS ST impaired patients (77.8%) compared to only BRB-NT impaired ones (20.0%, p < 0.001). The failure in D-KEFS ST was associated with the number of failed BRB-NT items (OR 1.46, IC95% 1.07–1.99, p < 0.05) and with pathological SDMT z-value (OR 10.56, IC95% 2.50–44.66, p < 0.005). Compared to BRB-NT impaired patients and the cognitive normal ones, BRB-NT+D-KEFS ST impaired patients had significant higher MSNQ (p < 0.01) and BDI-II (p < 0.05) values.Conclusion: D-KEFS ST did not increase the number of cognitively impaired MS patients identified by BRB-NT, but provided a more comprehensive evaluation of cognitive decline. D-KEFS ST identified a subgroup of patients with increased self-perception of cognitive decline, depression and higher physical disability.

Performance in daily activities, cognitive impairment and perception in multiple sclerosis patients and their caregivers

BackgroundThe relationship between cognitive assessment results in multiple sclerosis (MS) and performance in daily activities (DAs) remains unclear. Our study aimed to evaluate the relationship between cognitive functions (CF) measured by tests, performance in DAs, and the perception of CF in patients and their caregivers (CG) in MS.MethodsThe Brief International Cognitive Assessment for Multiple Sclerosis (BICAMS) battery was used to evaluate cognitive status. We created an ad hoc questionnaire (DaQ) to assess performance in DAs not requiring specific motor skills. We used the Multiple Sclerosis Neuropsychological Questionnaire (MSNQ) to measure each patient self-judgment and caregiver’s perception of CF.ResultsForty-nine patients and their caregivers were included in the study. Significant correlations were found between the BICAMS and the DaQ (Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT): r = − 0.48, p < 0.001; California Verbal Learning Test (CVLT): r = − 0.33, p = 0.01; Brief Visual Memory Test (BVMT-R): r = − 0.42; p = 0.002); patients self-judgment (SDMT: r = − 0.38, p = 0.004; CVLT: r = − 0.26, p = 0.03); caregiver perception of patient’s CF (SDMT: r = − 0.52, p < 0.001; CVLT: r = − 0.3, p = 0.01; BVMT-R: r = − 0.42, p = 0.002). The difference in perception between the patients and their caregivers was related to patient age (p = 0.001) and severity of cognitive impairment (p = 0.03).ConclusionsCognitive assessment results show a significant correlation with performance in daily activities and with patients and, especially, caregiver perception of cognitive impairment. These data support the importance of a routine evaluation of cognitive function in MS that includes an anamnestic evaluation of patients, and, when possible, consideration of the caregiver’s point of view.

Estimating Everyday Neuropsychological Functioning in Multiple Sclerosis: Reliability and Validity of the Greek Multiple Sclerosis Neuropsychological Questionnaire.

The Multiple Sclerosis Neuropsychological Questionnaire is a brief screening questionnaire for the assessment of everyday neuropsychological competence of patients with Multiple Sclerosis. The aim of the present study was to examine psychometric properties of the Greek version of the instrument. One hundred and three MS patients and 60 informants participated in the present study and completed the questionnaire. From the initial patient sample, 51 participants completed broadly used neuropsychological tests and measures estimating cognitive failures and depression. Moreover, after a six-month interval the MSNQ was administered to 58 patients from the initial sample in order to explore test-retest reliability. Cronbach's α was 0.92 and 0.93 for patient and informant forms, respectively. The patient form was correlated significantly with measures of cognitive failures and depression. Low correlations were found between the informant form and performance on cognitive tests. In regard to the patient form, significant correlation was observed between repeated administrations and, psychometrically, the three-factor structure was preferable than the one-factor structure. The present study confirms the already established pattern of correlations among the two MSNQ forms, neuropsychological test performance and depression measurements. Additional research is needed in order to define a cut-off score for the MSNQ-I providing further information about the diagnostic interpretability of the instrument.

Cognitive impairment among patients with multiple sclerosis: associations with employment and quality of life

ObjectivesTo explore the relationship between cognitive impairment and conventional measures of disability in multiple sclerosis (MS), quality of life (QOL) and employment status using the brief international cognitive assessment for...

Effect of Boswellia serrata on cognitive impairment in multiple sclerosis patients

BackgroundBoswellia Serrata (BS) has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects and neuroprotective activity. ObjectiveTo determine whether BS improves cognitive performance among patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) related cognitive impairment (CI). MethodThis was a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study, in which 60 patients who had subjective cognitive complaints (according to multiple sclerosis neuropsychological questionnaire) were selected and categorized in two groups (each with 30 persons). These groups were compared on the basis of the effect of 450mg of BS or placebo capsules twice a day. A series of MACFIMS (minimum assessment of cognitive function in MS) tests were conducted on the patients at the beginning of the treatment process and after 2 months of the study. Results of the mentioned tests were analyzed and recorded. ResultsConsidering changes in brief visuospatial memory test (BVMT) (p<0.05) and the California verbal learning test (CVLT) second edition (p<0.05), differences between the two groups were significant. But on the basis of paced auditory serial addition test, symbol digit modalities test, controlled oral word association test, judgment of line orientation test and Delis-Kaplan executive function system, differences between the two groups were negligible (p>0.05). ConclusionBS improved CVLT and BVMT in relapsing remitting (RR)MS patients without major depression who had subjective complaints of CI.

Cognitive assessment in MS.

Cognitive impairment has been demonstrated at all stages and in all subtypes of multiple sclerosis (MS) and has a wide-ranging impact on the lives of those affected. It can influence participative, safety and disease outcomes [1], with the net result being an overall reduction in quality of life. Worryingly, about half of patients with an Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score as low as 3 are unemployed [2] suggesting that physical disability is not the only contributing factor. Large unselected samples have identified cognitive impairment in around 60% of participants treated in clinics, with a slightly lower prevalence (50%) in community samples [3]. The strongest predictors of cognitive impairment are EDSS, progressive course of MS and age [3]. Cognitive domains most likely to be affected in MS are information processing speed and memory. Visual processing and executive function are less likely to be impaired, while language is largely intact. The profile is opposite to that usually seen in Alzheimer’s disease and, because language capability is mostly intact, diagnosis can be problematic. Cognition is affected by other MS symptoms such as fatigue and depression, although the link between objective measures and self-report is complex and unreliable for both symptoms [1]. Of current interest in this field is the relationship between intellectual enrichment (usually assessed by educational attainment) and cognitive reserve. It has been shown that people with lower cognitive reserve for specified disease burden, atrophy or lesions will lose more cognitive performance compared with people with the same level of disease burden, atrophy or lesions but with higher cognitive reserve [4]. Assessment of cognitive function in MS has traditionally been unavailable for patients outside specialist centers. This is partly because cognitive assessment requires specialist skills, can be time consuming to administer and the materials and validated measures have not been widely available in many countries. The Multiple Sclerosis Neuropsychological Questionnaire (MSNQ) is a selfreported screening questionnaire that predicts neuropsychological deficiency with good sensitivity and specificity, but is confounded by depression [5]. Other tests such as the Brief Battery and the Minimal Assessment of Cognitive Function in MS (MACFIMS) are time consuming and require a specialist psychologist to complete, and are therefore not ideal for routine use. The Brief International Cognitive Assessment for MS (BICAMS [6]) initiative was designed to address these issues. An international expert consensus group was set up to develop a tool that could be used by healthcare professionals who are not cognitive specialists. BICAMS comprises a 15-min battery of tests developed from approximately 80 key scientific articles. Two commit tee members evaluated each article, and candidate scales were rated for psychometric standards (reliability, validity and sensitivity) and pragmatic standards (international applicability, ease of administration, feasibility in the specified context and acceptability to patients) [7]. A validation

What We Know About Creativity

<b>Objective:</b> We sought to establish the reliability and validity of a novel composite cognitive endpoint for monitoring improvement in memory and processing speed in future drug trials. <b>Background</b> Approximately 50% of all patients with Multiple Sclerosis have clinically significant symptoms of cognitive impairment that impact their ability to work and interfere with the quality of their home life and leisure activities. FDA officials have approved composite cognitive endpoints for the study of drug interventions for Alzheimer9s (ADAS-COG) and Schizophrenia (MATRICS), but not MS. <b>Design/Methods:</b> We administered the Selective Reminding Test (SRT), Brief Visuospatial Memory Test, Revised, PASAT, and SDMT to 60 MS patients at 4 centers twice over a 45 day timespan. These measures were chosen based on their known sensitivity to MS cognitive symptoms, the availability of alternate forms and known cross-cultural utility. Norm-referenced data was used to study the test-retest reliability of each measure. A composite measure for use as an endpoint in a drug trial was constructed based on factor structure. <b>Results:</b> Test-retest reliability for individual subtests ranged from r = .62 for the SRT delayed recall trial to .88 for the SDMT. A general composite representative of performance across measures had reliability of .91. Processing Speed and Memory composite indices were r =.89 and r =.86, respectively with modest practice effects. Secondary Progressive patients performed approximately .8 standard deviations below Relapsing-Remitting patients, with the two populations demonstrating cognitive impairment with frequencies 77% and 39%, respectively. Cognitive impairment correlated reasonably well (r = .40) with Informant reports on the Multiple Sclerosis Neuropsychological Questionnaire. <b>Conclusions:</b> The novel composite endpoint is a reliable, repeatable measure of general cognitive functioning that is sensitive to cognitive impairment in both Secondary Progressive and Relapsing –Remitting MS patients. Supported by: Biogen-Idec. <b>Disclosure:</b> Dr. DeLuca has received personal compensation for activities with Kessler Foundation Research Center and Biogen Idec.Dr. DeLuca has received research support from Biogen Idec. Dr. Foley has received personal compensation for activities with Biogen Idec. Dr. Foley has received research support from Bayer Pharmaceuticals. Dr. Benedict has received personal compensation for activities with Bayer Pharmaceuticals Corporation, Biogen Idec, Serono, Inc., Novartis, Merck &amp; Co., Inc. and Pfizer Inc as speaker, consultant and/or member on advisory panel. Dr. Benedict has received research support from Memen Pharmaceuticals, Shire Pharmaceuticals and Biogen Idec. Dr. Caruso has received personal compensation for activities with Biogen Idec as a consultant. Dr. Caruso has received research support from Biogen Idec. Dr. Erlanger has received personal compensation for activities with Biogen Idec as a consultant. Dr. Erlanger has received research support from Biogen Idec. Dr. Kaushik has received personal compensation for activities with Panmedix as a research coordinator. Dr. Kaushik has received research support from Biogen-Idec.

Reports of Patients and Relatives from the CogniCIS Study about Cognition in Clinically Isolated Syndrome: What Are Our Patients Telling Us?

Objective: To assess the Multiple Sclerosis Neuropsychological Questionnaire (MSNQ) in patients with clinically isolated syndrome (CIS). Methods: 130 European CIS patients and 60 relatives completed the MSNQ. Results: The mean (SD) MSNQ score for CIS patients was 15.5 (10.8) and for their informants 11.3 (9.6). Neither the CIS patient nor relative MSNQ report scores correlated with any of the cognitive test scores in the Brief Repeatable Battery of Neuropsychological Tests, but they were significantly related to psychosocial scales including depression. Conclusions: In CIS, patient and relative MSNQ scores are influenced by psychosocial variables rather than actual objective cognitive status. Formal cognitive test assessment is recommended for CIS patients.

Reliability and Sensitivity to Cognitive Impairment of a Novel Endpoint for Use in Pharmaceutical Trials in Multiple Sclerosis (P04.114)

Objective: We sought to establish the reliability and validity of a novel composite cognitive endpoint for monitoring improvement in memory and processing speed in future drug trials. Background Approximately 50% of all patients with Multiple Sclerosis have clinically significant symptoms of cognitive impairment that impact their ability to work and interfere with the quality of their home life and leisure activities. FDA officials have approved composite cognitive endpoints for the study of drug interventions for Alzheimer9s (ADAS-COG) and Schizophrenia (MATRICS), but not MS. Design/Methods: We administered the Selective Reminding Test (SRT), Brief Visuospatial Memory Test, Revised, PASAT, and SDMT to 60 MS patients at 4 centers twice over a 45 day timespan. These measures were chosen based on their known sensitivity to MS cognitive symptoms, the availability of alternate forms and known cross-cultural utility. Norm-referenced data was used to study the test-retest reliability of each measure. A composite measure for use as an endpoint in a drug trial was constructed based on factor structure. Results: Test-retest reliability for individual subtests ranged from r = .62 for the SRT delayed recall trial to .88 for the SDMT. A general composite representative of performance across measures had reliability of .91. Processing Speed and Memory composite indices were r =.89 and r =.86, respectively with modest practice effects. Secondary Progressive patients performed approximately .8 standard deviations below Relapsing-Remitting patients, with the two populations demonstrating cognitive impairment with frequencies 77% and 39%, respectively. Cognitive impairment correlated reasonably well (r = .40) with Informant reports on the Multiple Sclerosis Neuropsychological Questionnaire. Conclusions: The novel composite endpoint is a reliable, repeatable measure of general cognitive functioning that is sensitive to cognitive impairment in both Secondary Progressive and Relapsing –Remitting MS patients. Supported by: Biogen-Idec. Disclosure: Dr. DeLuca has received personal compensation for activities with Kessler Foundation Research Center and Biogen Idec.Dr. DeLuca has received research support from Biogen Idec. Dr. Foley has received personal compensation for activities with Biogen Idec. Dr. Foley has received research support from Bayer Pharmaceuticals. Dr. Benedict has received personal compensation for activities with Bayer Pharmaceuticals Corporation, Biogen Idec, Serono, Inc., Novartis, Merck & Co., Inc. and Pfizer Inc as speaker, consultant and/or member on advisory panel. Dr. Benedict has received research support from Memen Pharmaceuticals, Shire Pharmaceuticals and Biogen Idec. Dr. Caruso has received personal compensation for activities with Biogen Idec as a consultant. Dr. Caruso has received research support from Biogen Idec. Dr. Erlanger has received personal compensation for activities with Biogen Idec as a consultant. Dr. Erlanger has received research support from Biogen Idec. Dr. Kaushik has received personal compensation for activities with Panmedix as a research coordinator. Dr. Kaushik has received research support from Biogen-Idec.